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What is Biofreeze?
Joint pain and inflammation are commonly caused by damaged tissues brought by friction, stress, or aging.
This process is inevitable because as people age, the joint surfaces become prone to damage and the body is no longer capable of rapidly repairing the damaged tissues. Since more and more people are suffering from joint pain, different products are also manufactured to answer this rising problem.
Biofreeze is one of those topical joint pain products that aim to help people suffering from joint pain and discomfort.
Biofreeze is a topical analgesic that is manufactured for mild to moderate joint pains. It can also be used to relieve muscle soreness and even discomfort associated with arthritis.
Biofreeze actually comes in the spray, singles, roll-on, and gel preparations so the consumer has the freedom to choose how they want the product applied. While other topical analgesics contain steroid and narcotic components which impose serious side effects.
Biofreeze contains the most basic ingredient which is natural and proven to be effective in reducing pain.
How Does It Rate?
Brand Highlights
- The company that originally launched Biofreeze was Performance Health, Inc. However, in the year 2006, the company was acquired by the Hygenic Corporation.
- Today, Hygenic Corporation is the legal manufacturer of Biofreeze which is also responsible for the continuous research and improvement of the product. Their office is located in Akron, Ohio.
Key Ingredients
- Menthol
Pros
- May reduce mild to moderate joint pain and discomfort.
- It could relieve muscle soreness.
- Since it is a topical analgesic, the benefit of pain relief is targeted to the affected area specifically.
- It might produce fast and long lasting effect.
Cons
- It has a menthol scent that is quite noticeable.
Which Are The Best Selling Biofreeze Products?
#1 Biofreeze Spray
Soothing, Pain Relief
Key Ingredients: Menthol
Price: $21.96
What It Does: Our 360° applicator gets those hard-to-reach places, like the middle of the back or neck and other lower extremities, so you can always rise to every challenge.
#2 Biofreeze Gel
Back Pain Relief
Key Ingredients: Menthol
Price: $14.69
What It Does: Apply Gel to the larger muscle areas that might require a more hands-on approach and push your training even further.
#3 Biofreeze Roll On
Fast Acting & Long Lasting
Key Ingredients: Menthol
Price: $9.99
What It Does: Grab a Roll-On for a mess free application with a roller ball that applies easily to cool the pain.
How Does Biofreeze Work?
Biofreeze basically works by following the mechanism called gate control theory wherein the menthol contained in Biofreeze serves as a counterirritant to divert attention away from the pain.
According to research published in the BMJ regarding the gate control theory, the pain is caused by stimulation of 2 types of afferent nerve fibres[1].
When Biofreeze is applied to the affected area, menthol will stimulate the thermoreceptors in the skin causing a cooling sensation, this will then stimulate the non-nociceptive nerve fibers (nerve fibers that do not cause pain). The stimulation of the non-nociceptive nerve fibers will serve as the counterirritant mechanism which causes the reduction of pain sensation on the affected area.
Biofreeze Ingredients – Are they Safe & Effective?
The primary ingredient in Biofreeze is menthol which is very popular in reducing joint and muscle pain.
According to EurekAlert, menthol has been shown to possess analgesic properties thereby reducing the sensation of pain[2]. It is mostly used in topical analgesics because when menthol is absorbed through the skin, it attaches to kappa opioid receptors thus producing a numbing effect.
It also causes vasodilation thereby improving blood flow and enhancing lymphatic drainage which helps in reducing inflammation in the affected area. Menthol is also a popular counterirritant because it stimulates the thermoreceptors in the skin which produces the cooling sensation when it is applied[3]. This cool sensation serves as a counterirritant thereby blocking the nerve impulses that cause throbbing pain.
Alternatives to Biofreeze
Biofreeze Questions and Answers
Q: How Should You Use Biofreeze?
A: Adults and children 2 years of age and older should apply on to the affected areas not more than 4 times daily. Consult a physician before using it on children under 2 years.
When using this product: Avoid contact with the eyes or mucous membranes– Do not apply to wounds or damaged skin.
Q: Can I use Biofreeze Foot therapy cream on my back?
A: Temporary relief from minor aches and pains of sore muscles and joints associated with: arthritis, backache, strains, sprains
Warnings: For external use only- Ask a doctor before use if you have: Sensitive skin
Q: How Much is Biofreeze?
A: The product is available on the manufacturer’s official website and various online retail stores at a price of $14.99.
Q: What is Biofreeze Return Policy?
A: Biofreeze products are not backed by any refund or money back guarantee policy.
Q: Does Biofreeze Offer a Free Trial?
A: There are no free trials or any offers available on Biofreeze.
Q: How large of an area on the body does a patch work on?
A: The Biofreeze patch is created with USP grade ingredients delivers targeted, mess-free application and penetrates swiftly for up to 8 hours of pain relief to body parts such as the back, neck, shoulder, knee, wrist, and foot.
Q: What are the Precautions When Using This Supplement?
A: This product is for external use only.
- Apply the product as directed by the manufacturer.
- Wash your hands after using Biofreeze to prevent the transfer of the product to the eyes. If it accidentally gets into your eyes, immediately wash it with a copious amount of water.
- Keep out of children’s reach.
- Do not apply tight bandage around the area where Biofreeze is applied.
- Do not apply heating pads to the area where Biofreeze was applied because the numbing effect of the product might cause burn injuries.
- Do not apply to broken, irritated, or wounded skin.
- If you are currently applying other topical products, consult your doctor prior to using Biofreeze.
Disclaimer: Most OTC drugs are not reviewed and approved by FDA, however, they may be marketed if they comply with applicable regulations and policies. FDA has not evaluated whether this product complies.
Q: How often should I use Biofreeze on a painful hip when walking?
A: Biofreeze comes with a clinically recommended seal, and it’s a longtime trusted brand for joint pain relief. This medication is for use on the skin only. Apply to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times a day. If you are using the cream, gel, or liquid, rub it gently and thoroughly. Some liquid forms of this medication should be shaken before use.
What Kind of Reviews are Out there for Biofreeze?
Most customers who used the product were satisfied with the Biofreeze benefits. It is effectively reduced their joint and muscle pain without the worry of experiencing serious side effects.
People also liked that Biofreeze comes in various preparations wherein all are very handy especially the Biofreeze singles thus they can experience pain relief anywhere and anytime they want. The consumers also noted the immediate and long-lasting pain relief that is provided as compared to other topical analgesics.
Biofreeze Review – Final Verdict
Biofreeze is a good topical joint pain relief product to consider if you are looking for immediate and effective relief for joint pain and discomfort. The mechanism behind the effectiveness of Biofreeze is simple but is proven to be effective through years of research and clinical trials.
Bones are connected by joints, which allow us to move with ease. Joint damage can cause pain preventing you from doing the things you once loved. Topical joint relief products tend to work more quickly, helping to relieve pain directly in the affected area compared to products taken orally. A topical joint pain relief product should be evaluated on its: potential to block the transportation of pain signals, potential to act as a counterirritant to reduce soreness and Quality of Ingredients* backed by clinical research.
Below you'll find some of the most effective topical joint pain products on the market today, in our opinion.
Verdict on Claimed Benefits: Below is our summary of the available evidence for the claimed benefits of below mentioned joint pain relief gels, gummies, and creams based on the available research:
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